AS ROMA, Tachtsidis: "Surprised by Roma's interest in me"

The new midfielder of As Roma, Panagiotis Tachtsidis has spoken in the press conference.

THE CALL FROM ROMA
I was certainly surprised by Roma's interest in me, I really didn't expect it. But I'm here now and I'm ready. I don't necessarily have to be in the starting line-up; I'm here to work for the team and improve as a player. The squad comes first.ZEMAN
It's a real pleasure to work with the coach because I know he bloods young players and improves them. As I've said, I'll give it everything, I'm not asking for anything and I'll wait for my opportunity. Training with people like De Rossi and the other top players here can only be a good thing. Did I know Zeman rated me and wanted to sign me? No, I had no idea. What did he tell me about my role when I got here? We spoke very little. When I got here he said hello and asked me how I was, then he told me to get running and we'd talk about the rest in due course!READY
I'm ready. When the coach says it's time for me to play, then I'll be ready. So I'll wait for him to tell me when and what he needs me to do for the team.

Playing for Cagliari since last season, and having gone through a very long-term injury, Moldovan international midfielder Artur Ionita (27), according to Italian paper Corriere dello Sport, is about to have his contract with Serie A side officially extended until June 2021. Form